Front struts options for the Dakota
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RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
ORIGINAL: VA Dakota
A couple of questions:
1. Someone mentioned the 2006 Ram 1500was 500 lbs heavier,
was that totalweight or weight on the front suspension?
2. These front end lift/spacers (2" - 2 1/2") sold, aren't they
also listed for the Ram 1500 4x4?
3. Lowering the lower control arms????? Is anybody doing this when they add the lift kit ????
What I'm trying to determine is that, using the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4
strut and springs would/should fit the Dakota, the bottom of the strut is the same
and I believe the top/bolt patternis also the same, as the lift spacers fit the Ram and Dakota.
According to the OEM parts manual the Dakota and the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4 use the same:
55366386AA -gromment, 52013672AA-collar, 55366975AA- isolator(spring seat),
55366387AA -isolator(spring),06506276AA-nut (M12x1.75)
But, it would be too costly tobuy 2 complete strut and spring assemblies just to try out.... [:@]
The Dakota and the Raider are built at the Warren Truck Plant and the Durango is built elsewhere???
A couple of questions:
1. Someone mentioned the 2006 Ram 1500was 500 lbs heavier,
was that totalweight or weight on the front suspension?
2. These front end lift/spacers (2" - 2 1/2") sold, aren't they
also listed for the Ram 1500 4x4?
3. Lowering the lower control arms????? Is anybody doing this when they add the lift kit ????
What I'm trying to determine is that, using the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4
strut and springs would/should fit the Dakota, the bottom of the strut is the same
and I believe the top/bolt patternis also the same, as the lift spacers fit the Ram and Dakota.
According to the OEM parts manual the Dakota and the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4 use the same:
55366386AA -gromment, 52013672AA-collar, 55366975AA- isolator(spring seat),
55366387AA -isolator(spring),06506276AA-nut (M12x1.75)
But, it would be too costly tobuy 2 complete strut and spring assemblies just to try out.... [:@]
The Dakota and the Raider are built at the Warren Truck Plant and the Durango is built elsewhere???
2. I'll take your word for it.
3. Don't know. I'm not looking to lift my truck. The upper end of the spring may be the same diameter but the Dakota spring is reduced at the lower end and won't fit over the Ram shock. The Ram spring is probably the same at both ends. The parts you list may crossover with the exception of the nut. The Dakota was 12x1.25mm and the Ram strut is 12x1.5 or1.75mm. If you're certain the Ram and Dakota use the same upper spring seat then you could certainly use a Ram strut and spring and be pretty close to a 2" lift and a somewhat stiffer suspension, with no other changes.
I don't know where any of the trucks are built but the Durango suspension is designed differently from the Dakota or the Ram.
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RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
ORIGINAL: rookie
so have we cofirmed that both ends of the strut will fit on the truck?
so have we cofirmed that both ends of the strut will fit on the truck?
1. The Dak spring won't fit over the Ram shock so you'll need to either turn the spring upside down (for stockheight ride)or use a Ram spring (for a yet-to-be determined amount of lift and slightly firmer ride).
2. The Ram shock is about 1-1/2" longer so you have less compression travel available if you keep stock ride height.
I'm in the early stages of designing a "top hat" and sleeve that'll move the bumper above the strut tower to allow stock ride height while maintaining full compression travel.I'll post the info when it's ready!
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
So in theory if we could find aftermarket struts and springs for lowering an 06+ Ram we could use those to keep stock height or even go lower couldn't we?
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
This might be a good option for lifting our trucks. Might a lift kit for a Ram be modified to fit? I wonder if we might run into problems with our axles being too short/binding excessively? Perhaps customs axles with CV joints with a greater range of motion might allow for a greater lift.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 383
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From: Raleigh, NC
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
ORIGINAL: Altair
So in theory if we could find aftermarket struts and springs for lowering an 06+ Ram we could use those to keep stock height or even go lower couldn't we?
So in theory if we could find aftermarket struts and springs for lowering an 06+ Ram we could use those to keep stock height or even go lower couldn't we?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
ORIGINAL: Hunterdude
This might be a good option for lifting our trucks. Might a lift kit for a Ram be modified to fit? I wonder if we might run into problems with our axles being too short/binding excessively? Perhaps customs axles with CV joints with a greater range of motion might allow for a greater lift.
This might be a good option for lifting our trucks. Might a lift kit for a Ram be modified to fit? I wonder if we might run into problems with our axles being too short/binding excessively? Perhaps customs axles with CV joints with a greater range of motion might allow for a greater lift.
